Most grounding rods that I have seen here in the U.S. are copper clad
steel. This is primarily so that you have a strong rod that can be
driven into difficult ground and provide better contact surfacing with
the superior conductivity of copper. Also, these are the type of rods
that are required for legal grounding of AC grounding systems.
Galvanized rods can work, but their lifespan and conductivity may be
somewhat less. But I would use whatever was available in your region.
One consideration is the junction of dissimilar metals. It would be
best to use copper wire with copper clad rods and galvanized wire with
galvanized rods but I have not always been a purist myself:)
We have several 6 joule fencing energizers and each has its own
multi-ground rod earthing, usually at least 3. I also recommend that
with multiple ground rods, that you use a contiguous piece of wire and
not splice it at each ground rod. Simpler to do and the connections will
tend to be better for the long term.
Sincerely,
Rick W.
Misty Ridge Farm
Viroqua, WI
Ann Tiplady & John Sease wrote:
>One source is telling me that copper grounding rods will corrode away and
cease to function as the ground for the electric fence. They say that
galvanized steel is a far superior. Does anyone here have any experience with
galvanized steel vs. copper for ground rods?
>
>Copper, and galvanized copper (new to me), are available locally. The
galvanized steel is a couple of hours away.
>
>cheers, Ann
>Vermont
>
>
